WhatFinger


Travel New Zealand

The Kiwi Bucket List



Visiting New Zealand is on the bucket list of many. We all know the reasons why: The scenery is spectacular, the food and wine are world-class, and the people friendly and welcoming. But what should you do when you arrive? Here are five great things to do in New Zealand to add to your Kiwi Bucket List.

Vino With The Vintner

If you are a wine lover, you know that Pinot Noir is one of the finest wines in the world, but it’s difficult to produce. Mingle with winemakers and wine lovers alike at the Central Otago Pinot Noir Celebration from January 26 to 28, 2012 in Queenstown. Tastings, pairings, parties and conversations abound at the festival celebrating the Pinot Noir grape.

Sail Away

For those with a love of sailing, getting onboard and on the water on an actual America’s Cup racing yacht is the opportunity of a lifetime. Depending on your bucket list, you can sit back and relax for two hours as your crew sails you around Auckland or you can join a crew and race against another America’s Cup yacht during a three-hour competition.

Support Canada Free Press


Get Your Art Deco On

Napier, in Hawke’s Bay on New Zealand’s North Island, is the art deco hub of New Zealand. In 1932, a devastating earthquake and subsequent fires levelled much of the city. At that time, art deco was in style worldwide and it greatly influenced the rebuilding process. The beautiful art deco buildings have been preserved and Napier hosts the fabulous Art Deco Weekend annually that should not be missed. Set for February 14 to 19, 2012, the small city of 59,000 goes back in time and offers residents and visitors the opportunity to participate in activities such as dining and dancing extravaganzas, an aerobatic air show and big band concerts. This year, there are over 200 events to choose from. Be sure to wear Deco-style clothing or you will stand out like a tourist! image Napier, New Zealand hosts the annual Art Deco Weekend each February, giving participants the chance to visit the 1930s and 40s. Credit: Art Deco Trust

Find Yourself – In A Cave

Hidden in Waitomo (just two hours south of Auckland) is an underground cave that offers unsurpassed beauty and the opportunity to experience something indescribably unique. The first thrill is a 100-metre rappel into the cave. Once in the cave, the adventure continues with glowworms, waterfalls, ancient whalebones and oyster fossils. The Lost World Epic journey takes seven fun-filled hours. image Rappel 100 metres into the Lost World cave in the Waitomo region of New Zealand and discover glowworms, waterfalls, ancient whalebones and oyster fossils. Credit: Chris McLennan

Take A Hike

For the hiker, New Zealand’s nine “Great Walks” offer unbelievable opportunities to see some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Fiordland, the country’s largest national park, boasts the Milford Track – the most famous of the walks. Here, you trek for four days/three nights through the historic routes that the Maori took – through forested valleys, mountains and fiords. All the Great Walks are challenging and offer several days of hiking and well-maintained huts for sleeping. Air New Zealand (Airnewzealand.ca) has direct non-stop flights from Vancouver to Auckland and offers flights from many other North American cities. Qantas ([url=http://www.qantas.com]http://www.qantas.com[/url]) also offers flights from many Canadian and U.S. gateways. For more information about New Zealand, please visit: NewZealand.com.


View Comments

Travel New Zealand -- Bio and Archives

For more information on New Zealand, please visit: NewZealand.com. The site offers interactive planning tools, special travel deals, operator listings and information on New Zealand.


Sponsored